Quake triggers panic in Chennai and Nicobar

Published: Sunday, June 13, 2010, 9:13 [IST]

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Chennai, Jun 13: A 7.7-richter scale tremor struck in many parts of the city in the early hours of Sunday, Jun 13. The tremor lasted for 10 to 20 seconds. The earth quake of the same magnitude also occurred off west coast of Nicobar Islands around 1:26 am.

The residents stayed outdoors in panic for more than an hour in the places inculding Koyambedu, Santhome, Thiruvanmiyur, Chintadripet, Choolaimedu, Royapettah and Aminjikarai.

Earth quake hit at a depth of about 157 kilometres west-southwest of Misha in Nicobar Islands and 445 kilometres northwest of Banda Aceh in Indonesia.

Meteorological officials have warned a tsunami watch for India and the nearby islands. The Pacific Tsunami Warning cautioned that a 'destructive widespread tsunami threat' did not exist, but rather there was a possibility of a “local tsunami" that could affect coasts located about 100 kilometres from the epicentre.

Several parts of Sri Lanka also experienced tremors following the earthquake, informed D Wijayananda, the head of the country"s Geology and Mines Bureau. The tremor occured in Sri Lanka's western and southern coastal areas lasted less than two minutes.